Close Encounters of the Third Kind Fun Features

This is the section for all our "FUN" Close Encounters of the Third Kind information - please enjoy!

Did You Know?

… The scientist Claude Lacombe was played by the famous French director, Francois Truffaut.

... The title of the original screenplay was "Watch the Skies" and was based upon the book, The UFO Experience (1972), written by famed extra-terrestrial expert Dr. J. Allen Hynek (the man who invented the "Close Encounter" levels.) Dr. J. Allen Hynek was an astronomer who was hired by the United States Air Force to study UFO sightings. He developed the classification system of close encounters. He founded the Center for UFO Studies. Steven Spielberg hired him as an advisor for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He was given a non-speaking role in the movie. You can be see him in the final scene with a pipe and wearing a beard looking at the mothership.

... Where are They Now? One of the cutest movie kids ever Cary Guffey was four years old when he played Barry in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Although he appeared in a few more movies, he did not choose to pursue an acting career and today lives in Alabama, has a family and works in finance. We think we found his Facebook page.

... After making Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg donated $100,000 to The Planetary Society for a radiotelescope search for alien civilizations. He is now on the Board of Directors. You can visit The Planetary Society website and you can become a member and receive their newsletter.

... The "Flight 19" planes found in the desert in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind are based on a true story. In 1945 five Navy bombers did disappear in the Bermuda Triangle. The book The Disappearance of Flight 19 examines this true life mystery.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind On Location

Grauman's/Mann's Chinese Theater Footprints
Close Encounter director Steven Spielberg is one of the many legendary celebrities to leave hand and footprints outside the famous Grauman's (now Mann's) Chinese Theater.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In the early 1960's, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce developed the idea of the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." The sidewalks of the most famous streets in the heart of Hollywood were lined with "stars" recognizing celebrities' life-long contributions to the entertainment industry. Receiving a star is still to this day considered a huge honor. Here's where you can find the Richard Dreyfuss' star:

Devil's Tower National ParkThe landing site of the mother ship in Close Encounters was at a very real American landmark ... Devil's Tower National Park in Devil's Tower, Wyoming.
For more information visit The National Park Service Website